Chippenham man James Morrison jailed for child rape

James Morrison was sentenced to 19 years and four months in prison

A man has been jailed after the "horrific" sexual abuse of a child.

James Morrison, 31, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to four counts of rape of a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

He was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court to 19 years and four months in prison on Wednesday.

Police praised the bravery of his victim, who they said was also threatened by Morrison.

'Incredibly traumatic ordeal'

Det Insp Francesca Mason, of the child abuse investigation team, said: "After committing these horrific crimes, Morrison made threats towards his victim which made him feel trapped and unable to confide in anyone.

"Fortunately, the victim's mum found messages on her son's phone which led to her son disclosing exactly what had happened and the subsequent police report.

"I would like to commend the young victim for the bravery he has shown during the court process - maturity far beyond his years following what has been an incredibly traumatic ordeal.

"I am pleased Morrison has been given a lengthy custodial sentence, reflecting the horrific nature of his crimes.

"He took advantage of a vulnerable child, abusing him and then making threats towards him.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to report it to police immediately so that we can put offenders like Morrisons before the courts."

Morrison was also issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders' register for life.